Life's a Game, but it's Not Fair

Staring at herself in her floor length mirror, Reagan could hardly believe in her own reflection.

Blair had begged her to at least try on the white dress at the small boutique when they had gone shopping for her party last week. “Your dark hair will look so good and it will make your blue eyes pop!”

How her best friend had been right. She had paired it with a pair of blue Manolos from the back of her closet and the gorgeous sapphire earrings and bracelet her father and uncles had given to her this morning at her birthday breakfast (The menu had been strawberry waffles, mimosas, and lots of coffee).

She felt a sad feeling though, Kappie wouldn’t be with them tonight. They had all woken up one morning to a note from her saying she had gone to the farmer’s market, but then Brian had gotten a text from Kappie saying an emergency had happened with her father back home and she had left right away. She still had a lot of clothes from the last time she had gone to Oregon and the family didn’t need to send anything. She hoped to get at least a birthday phone call from her soon.

She knew her dad was upset Kappie had left so quickly, especially on the night he was going to propose, but he knew the importance of family. “She’s taken care of our family for so long,” he had said “it’s only right she takes care of her own.”

A soft knock drew her attention back to the present. Matt was standing at the door drinking her in with his eyes. “You look-wow” she smiled “hi” she said softly.

“I have a present for you,” he said walking into the room, a black box in his hands. “But Matty I thought my present was our trip this weekend.” Matt shrugged, “that was part one this is part two.”

For Reagan’s birthday Matt had booked a 4 day trip to Cabo just the two of them. He had been nervous when he asked Brian if it would be alright, but his boss had waved his hands and said “she’s an adult now Matt, she can make her own choices. You know I trust you with her.” He couldn’t wait to spend time with his beautiful girlfriend and have her all to himself for a few days.

He opened the box and Reagan gasped when she saw the matching sapphire and diamond necklace that came with the earrings and bracelet she was wearing. “Matt this is too much,” she breathed.

Matt shook his head, “you deserve the world Reags, and I intend to spoil you all I want.” He kissed her gently, and placed the necklace on her neck gently.

Reagan kissed him, “I love you you know.”

Matt smiled, “I do. Now come on Jimmy said Blair’s pulling in and we’re all ready to party.”

To say this was an important party was an understatement. Reagan’s party was a huge deal to the Huntington Beach crowd. Friends and allies of the family were all in attendance. Reagan took time to thank her father’s allies profusely for coming with Brian looking on proudly. Reagan was thriving in her work at the club and in some of the other business deals the guys all worked with, she was a force to be reckoned with.

Matt left Reagan to dance with her friends, but always kept a close eye on her and when he could steal a dance with her he would. She was so happy she was practically glowing. She, Blair and all the guys had done shots at the bar, then it had been time for speeches and cake (strawberry cake with buttercream frosting, Reagan’s favorite) followed by more dancing. The night seemed go by so fast and before they knew it they were pulling into the driveway.

Drunk and happy, Reagan kicked off her heels in the foyer and lunged for the kitchen, starving for a late night snack of something salty.
Matt was devouring his grilled cheese and Jimmy was eating apples slathered in peanut butter. Rolling her eyes and inwardly laughing she set out to make a BLT.

Beers were broken out and the family moved to the living room, Reagan was snuggled on Matt’s lap and absolutely content. Suddenly, she remembered something that had been bothering her all day.

“Daddy did you hear from Reagan today?”

“No Princess, but she could be busy. Give her a call. Yes it’s late but she’ll answer”

Jimmy passed her his cell phone and she called the house number. She was surprised to hear Tom, Kappie’s father answer.

“Hello Tom! I was just wondering if Kappie was available?”

“Reagan! Good to hear from you! I’m sorry dear but Kathy isn’t here. I haven’t heard from her in awhile. Why would you be calling me?”

Reagan’s heart stopped.

“Oh ok I must have had my wires mixed that she was staying with you Tom. I’m sorry to have bothered you. I think I remember which number to call. Goodnight.”

Reagan hung up the phone and looked nervously at the guys.

“Tom said Kappie isn’t there. He hasn’t heard from her in awhile. Didn’t she used to call him at least twice a week?”

Brian tensed, a thousand scenarios flashing in his mind.

“Rev, we need to do some computer work. Christ, Shadows, Vengence, call the Berrys and we’ll need to meet in my office. Reagan go upstairs and get ready for bed.”

No one questioned, everyone stood up and got going.

Rushing into the office, the boys huddled around the computer as Jimmy logged in.

“Let me just track her cellphone first,”

“Rev something’s wrong please find her”

“Don’t worry Brian we will just let me-“

Suddenly, Jimmy’s screen froze and began to beep.
“Jim what the hell-“

“This has never happened before I don’t-“

“DAMMIT REV WHY THE FUCK IS YOUR COMPUTER DOING THAT.”

“SYN I DON’T KNOW”

Suddenly, all the power in the mansion went out. The house was pitch black.

Reagan was sitting on the floor when the lights went out. She heard the guys all start yelling at each other. In her still slightly-drunken state she giggled at her father and uncles and boyfriend.
She didn’t hear the French doors behind her open, didn’t hear the dark figure slip up the balcony and into her room.

Only when hands grabbed her and started to drag her backwards did she start to scream.

Downstairs, Matt heard his girlfriend and rushed to the office doors.

They were locked.

“Brian, Reagan is screaming and the doors are locked!” He screamed panicking.

Wordlessly, Brian flung himself forward and kicked the door down.

“Regan!” Brian yelled as he sprinted up the stairs, Matt on his heels.

Rushing to the door, Brian threw it open.

Her bed was empty.

The French doors leading to her balcony were wide open, the lace curtains flowing with the summer breeze.

It was too late, Reagan was gone.

Reagan

Notes

Long hiatus yes, let me know what you think. I'll stop if it's bad